Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that the people are the source of all power of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). With public support, the government will be able to implement its development plans, he said.

“We want to transform the 400 million hands of 200 million people into a productive workforce. We have to work. We have to increase agricultural production and bring about an industrial revolution,” he said.

The prime minister made the remarks at a public rally held on Sunday (August 9) at Baharchhara sea beach in Banshkhali upazila of Chattogram.

Referring to the recent floods caused by heavy rainfall, Tarique Rahman said many people had lost their homes. “We are handing over keys to 100 houses. We have also provided rice to some distressed women,” he said.

He said the people of Bangladesh elected the current government and its responsibility is to stand beside mothers and sisters and create employment opportunities for young people.

“We said we would deliver Family Cards to households so that women can become self-reliant. We started the process on the 16th of this month. This year, Family Cards will be handed over to 4.1 million mothers. The programme will continue for four years, and many more mothers and sisters will come under its coverage. We are taking this initiative to empower mothers,” he said.

Regarding the price of salt, the prime minister said the government had fixed the price after discussions and would announce the rate within a few days.

Speaking about the potential of Chattogram’s coastal region, Tarique Rahman said he had visited Matarbari and viewed the vast area from Mirsarai by helicopter.

“The vast sea belongs to the people of Bangladesh. I went to Matarbari to explore how this marine resource can be utilised to improve people’s living standards and create employment opportunities,” he said.

He said a large area had been allocated to China in Chattogram, where several hundred mills and factories would be established. This would create employment opportunities for people in Chattogram and help the country earn foreign currency.

“The foreign currency earned through this process can be used to ensure education and healthcare for the people of Bangladesh,” he added.

The prime minister stressed that peace and law and order are prerequisites for creating employment and attracting investment.

“If there is unrest in the market, shops are forced to close. Investors will want raw materials to arrive smoothly from the ports. Therefore, we must remain conscious and vigilant. We have to be alert about those who want to disrupt peace and order,” he said.

He also stressed the need to maintain law and order, warning that if those seeking to mislead people are given an opportunity, the general public will ultimately suffer.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed also addressed the rally. Mishkatul Islam Chowdhury Pappa delivered the welcome speech, while Maulana Abdul Karim recited verses from the Holy Quran.